In the spring of 1975 Pacita unexpectedly left for France, as Jack had the opportunity to finish his studies overseas. Pacita used this time to study French, enjoy Paris and explore the Loire River countryside.

However, after a few months the money ran out and they ended up working as housecleaners in Paris, just to cover their daily expenses. After a few months of being down and out in Paris, they decided to go back to the US.

In late 1975 they moved to Washington, DC and Pacita entered the Corcoran School of Art, where she began her first formal art training under Berthold Schmutzhart and Blaine Larson.Watch video

Her training and experience at Corcoran had a significant influence on her development as a painter. While studying there, Pacita met many art students including Russian painter, Natalia Himmirska, who became a lifelong friend.

In addition to attending classes, Pacita set up her first studio in the dining room of her 15th Street home and immediately began working on a large colorful painting called "Batanes" to remind her native island.

By coincidence he was introduced by her landlord, Carl Hundley, to Alma Thomas, a noted Washington painter, who lived a few doors down 15th Street. Pacita then visited her studio several times while she lived in Washington.

Pacita also continued to travel and went to seek the tropical sun for six weeks in Guatemala, sketching and painting Mayan ruins, colonial churches and rural villages. at the end of 1976.

In May 1977 Pacita held her first one person show in her 15th Street Studio, where she exhibited 70 still life, portrait and landscape paintings. She was very pleased when the exhibition was well supported by friend and neighbors.